The Spirit of Teddy Roosevelt

By JAY LUCAS
Sunshine Initiative
Vigor. Enthusiasm. Bold adventure. Boundless energy. An infectious spirit. These are the attributes that define our 26th President Teddy Roosevelt. And we are especially excited to be highlighting the indomitable spirit of this man today, as October 27th is actually his birthday. Born in 1858, Roosevelt would be 165 years old if he were alive today – and my guess is that if he were alive today, and in his prime, he could make a great contribution to our nation – in so many ways.

He was a champion of conservation and the environment, creating more than two hundred parks and bird sanctuaries, along with helping to save the American buffalo. He was a world leader for peace who brought the war between Russia and Japan to an end through the historic Peace Treaty, signed in Portsmouth, NH, and for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize. He was a tireless fighter for the common man – known at the ‘trust buster,’ in taking on the monopolies, trusts, and special interests. All marvelous attributes and areas where a good dose of Teddy Roosevelt today, could certainly go a long way in support of America.

As the youngest man ever to assume the Presidency, Teddy Roosevelt never deviated from his convictions, passions, and promises. As a young man with asthma, people said he would live a short life, with much of what he wanted to achieve out of reach because of his poor health. Through the power of the human spirit and an extensive exercise regimen that he maintained at his father’s gym, Teddy grew to face his health challenges head on and made fitness a priority. I recall a story where Roosevelt hosted a delegation visiting from France by scheduling a day of exercise, physical events, and more. Following the series of events, a member of the delegation said he was too tired to debate any issue and would never question the good intentions Roosevelt held.

When tragedy struck and his mother and wife passed away at almost the same time, he did not retreat. He regrouped and moved on with steadfast courage. He chose not to simply enjoy the ‘comfortable life,’ but instead embraced what he called the ‘strenuous life.’ He consistently took risks and engaged in daring and potentially dangerous initiatives – for example, his founding of the Rough Riders — a cavalry regiment that fought heroically during the Spanish-American War. He put his love of country ahead of his own well-being and returned home as a hero.

Our national park system saw one of its greatest expansions under Roosevelt, protecting over 230 million acres of public land. His administration helped lay the groundwork for many of the environmental and conservation innovations that allow us to drink clean water, enjoy state and national parks, and benefit from the incredible topography our nation has to offer. Roosevelt’s legacy as a reformer, conservationist, and advocate for a government that works for the people has had a lasting impact on American politics and helped set the stage for future regulatory reforms that shaped the 20th century and the growth of our nation.

Very surprisingly, and thankfully, I even had the opportunity to appear with Teddy recently – impromptu – when on a run in New York City, I happened to come across him at his birthplace. You might enjoy taking a quick look at this video – and listening to what Teddy has to say.

Teddy Saves the Buffalo in NH!

Conservation is alive and well in the state of New Hampshire. This tradition has been in place for well over 100 years and has attracted national conservation figures who have both come from and come to New Hampshire, especially one president.

Known by many as “Teddy” (a nickname he actually disliked, preferring the name TR), Roosevelt was elected Vice-President of the United States in 1900. He then became President shortly thereafter due to the assassination of President McKinley in 1901. One year later, in 1902, while campaigning during the midterm elections, he visited New Hampshire and other New England states to rally support for candidates across the region. This is when his relationship with the Granite State began. While in New Hampshire as President, he visited his Secretary of State John Hay at Hay’s beautiful estate known as “The Fells” on the shores of Lake Sunapee in Newbury, New Hampshire. Also, on this trip, he visited nearby Newport, which led to an interesting connection for the national conservation of a national treasure, the American Buffalo.

While in Newport, Roosevelt, known as “the hunter,” made a trip to Corbin Park, a well-known hunting preserve on the outskirts of town. Around the same time, a naturalist who worked at Corbin Park named Ernest Harold Baynes had just started raising buffalo in nearby Meriden, NH, to supplement the declining herd in the west. Roosevelt was intrigued by the New Hampshire-based “buffalo (or bison) initiative.” In true TR fashion, he got so excited that, along with Baynes, he helped found the American Bison Society. Not surprisingly, due to TR’s enthusiastic nature and force of personality, he was named president of the organization.

Roosevelt’s legacy may be ‘national’ for his conservation efforts, but it also has important ties to New Hampshire.

Teddy Roosevelt — The ‘National Parks’ President

Roosevelt’s love for the outdoors was cultivated from a young age. He was an avid hunter, naturalist, and explorer. During his presidency, he prioritized the conservation of natural resources and the preservation of the country’s wilderness. He recognized the importance of protecting the nation’s natural heritage and the need for sustainable land management.

Roosevelt’s legacy of conservation and protection of our great outdoors cements him as one of the greatest Presidents of all time, and that is why he is forever remembered as one of the four Presidents featured on Mount Rushmore.

Roosevelt’s legacy in regard to national parks includes:

Wind Cave National Park (1903) — The first park established under Roosevelt’s administration, protecting a unique cave system in South Dakota.

Crater Lake National Park (1902) — Protecting the stunning Crater Lake in Oregon, it was also established during his presidency.

Mesa Verde National Park (1906) — Preserving ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings in Colorado.

Platt National Park (now part of Chickasaw National Recreation Area) — Established in 1906, it protected mineral springs in Oklahoma.

These early national parks set a precedent for conservation efforts in the United States.

Teddy Roosevelt’s dedication to preserving the environment led to the Antiquities Act, which he used to designate 18 national monuments, and the creation of the U.S. Forest Service. His legacy in conservation and the establishment of national parks continues to be celebrated, and his efforts laid the foundation for the extensive national park system we have today.